Run by the American Quarter Horse Association, the Bank of America Racing Challenge provides greater racing opportunities for American Quarter Horses, especially older horses. In 2014, for example, the program hosted 62 regional races, 36 Bonus Challenge races and 16 Maiden Challenge races that paid out more than $4,667,187.

The program, which next year turns 22, will see a few changes with the turning of the calendar.

In 2015, the regional Starter Allowance Challenge division, which ran last year as the Zoetis Starter Allowance Challenge, will be discontinued. This division was for horses that raced for claiming prices of $5,000 or less within 12 months of entry.

At the Bank of America Challenge Championships, the Starter Allowance Challenge Championship will be replaced by the Invitational Bonus Challenge Championship. The Bonus Challenge Invitations will be extended to the winners of 2015 Bonus Challenge races with the highest current-year earnings.

Other changes to the Challenge program are procedural in nature.

In 2015, there will be a new option for stakes payments. In addition to the existing $2,500 late payment option (that is due at time of sustaining payment), there will be a new option to pay a $5,000 late payment at the time of entry for trials, regardless of whether trials are actually conducted.

The Racing Challenge is an enrollment-based program, based on the age of the horse and good for its lifetime. Horses enrolled as weanlings are $300, while older horses have a $20,000 enrollment fee. Currently, the fee for yearlings is $600 and 2-year-olds is $8,000, but now horses that turn 2 on January 1 will have until March 15 to pay a $2,500 enrollment.

About the Association

The American Quarter Horse Association, located in Amarillo, Texas, is the world’s largest equine breed registry and membership organization.

AQHA members share a passion for the American Quarter Horse and the vast lifestyle created by the world’s most popular horse.

Whether you’re a seasoned horse show veteran, a fan of the race track, a backyard horse enthusiast or simply someone dreaming of someday owning a horse, AQHA membership will benefit you in countless ways.